Through our new research programme on Youth in a Just Food Systems Transition, INCLUDE is working with research teams across Africa to examine how food systems transformation is reshaping opportunities for young people — and what is needed to make these transitions truly just.

Their research shows that food systems remain central to youth livelihoods in Ghana: nearly half of all employed young people work in agriculture and related food system activities. Yet wages in the sector remain significantly below the national average, with strong gender disparities and widespread precarious work.

Importantly, the study shows how political economy dynamics continue to undermine long-term food systems transformation & what needs to change. Despite repeated policy commitments to youth employment and food security, agricultural programmes are frequently redesigned or abandoned following political transitions. Combined with politically mediated distribution of inputs, unequal land access, and weak participation of youth and women in decision-making, this creates fragmentation, mistrust, and short-termism across the system. At the same time, the report highlights the transformative potential of youth-led enterprises and grassroots initiatives already building more inclusive and sustainable food systems from the ground up.